A Court Gavel.
Nairobi, Kenya
The Anti-Corruption Court has set aside 20 days starting in May 2025 for marathon hearings of the Sh73 million corruption case involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his children. The case, which has been ongoing since 2020, involves 10 co-accused persons, including Obado’s children – Dan Okoth, Scarlet Okoth, Jerry Okoth, and Evelyne Okoth.
Obado, who is facing multiple charges related to the misappropriation of Migori County government funds, is accused alongside his family members and others, including Jared Peter Odoyo Kwaga and his relatives: his 73-year-old mother Peninah Auma, his wife Christine Akinyi, his sister-in-law Carolyne Anyango, and his brothers Patroba Ochanda and Joram Opala. The accused are facing 27 charges related to corruption and economic crimes, with 22 of the charges specifically directed at Obado.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alleges that the group inflated tender and contract prices to defraud the Migori County government. The case has been moving slowly due to the complexity of the evidence, which includes numerous documents and language barriers, as some of the accused, particularly Kwaga’s elderly mother, require translation services to follow court proceedings.
Slow Progress and Witness Testimonies:
The first prosecution witness, Robert Ronoh, who is also the investigating officer in the case, has been testifying since January 2021 but has not yet concluded his testimony. The prosecution has lined up 59 witnesses, and so far, only one witness has testified. With this slow pace, it became clear that unless the court allocates specific days for hearing, the case could drag on for years.
Court Sets Dates for Marathon Hearings:
In a bid to fast-track the trial, Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki, who is now overseeing the case, has directed that 20 days be set aside in 2025 for the completion of hearings. The trial will be conducted in blocks, starting in May 2025.
The hearings will begin with four days from May 19 to 22, 2025, followed by another four days from May 26 to 29, 2025. The marathon hearings will then continue in July 2025, with scheduled dates from July 1 to 3, and again from July 7 to 10, 2025. The final set of hearings is expected to take place from September 1 to 4, 2025.
Courtroom Transitions:
This case has already seen several judicial officers overseeing proceedings. Magistrate Ondieki is the third judge to handle the matter, after Lawrence Mugambi, who was promoted to the High Court in 2022, and Chief Magistrate Victor Wakumile, who was transferred from the division. Ondieki, who took over from Wakumile, emphasized the importance of keeping to the set schedule to prevent further delays.
In his testimony, investigating officer Robert Ronoh has provided significant insight into how Obado and his co-accused allegedly executed the fraudulent schemes that led to the misappropriation of Migori County funds.
Outlook for the Case:
As the case moves forward, many are watching to see whether the marathon hearings will lead to a swift conclusion or if more delays will occur. The court has emphasized that any arising issues should be raised promptly to avoid further disruptions.
The case has attracted widespread public attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, particularly Obado, who served as the governor of Migori County for two terms before being charged with corruption.
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